RTV repertoire catalog

Up On The Housetop - Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 1

ID 1376 · Structured composer unknown · Piano · Level 7 · Points 52100

Non-Commercial · Download listed · Match: filters

Collections: Christmas Popular

“Up On The Housetop (First Version),” arranged by Polly Bekasova, is a lively advanced piano arrangement of the classic American Christmas song. Marked Allegretto, this three-page arrangement gives the familiar melody a bright, energetic piano setting with repeated-note figures, rhythmic accompaniment patterns, chordal writing, and movement between registers. The arrangement requires the performer to keep the melody clearly projected while maintaining the steady rhythmic motion underneath.Measures 1–18 introduce the piece with the characteristic melody and a light but active accompaniment. The opening establishes the Allegretto character, with short repeated-note figures and rhythmic gestures creating the playful feeling associated with the song. Careful coordination is needed to keep the melodic line clear.Measures 19–36 continue with more developed accompaniment patterns. The right hand combines melodic material with repeated notes and chordal elements, while the left hand provides rhythmic and harmonic support. The texture becomes fuller as the arrangement progresses.Measures 37–52 bring another statement of the musical material with increased activity in both hands. Repeated figures appear throughout the texture, creating a steady sense of motion. Changes in register and the combination of sustained and shorter notes give the section variety while maintaining the recognizable melody.Measures 53–end form the final portion of the arrangement. The established rhythmic figures continue while the piano writing becomes increasingly full and emphatic. The final phrases bring the melody and accompaniment together into a clear closing statement, ending the piece with a firm final sonority.Interesting fact: “Up on the Housetop” was written by Benjamin Russell Hanby in 1864 and is one of the earliest American secular Christmas songs centered on Santa Claus. Hanby wrote the song while operating a singing school in New Paris, Ohio, and it was originally associated with the title “Santa Claus.” It was subsequently published by the Chicago music publisher George F. Root.The song also has an interesting connection to American Christmas music history: it was written during the Civil War era and became part of the growing tradition of secular Christmas songs in the United States. Hanby himself was a prolific songwriter, although “Up on the Housetop” ultimately became his best-known Christmas composition.How to earn points for this piece:Download or purchase the sheet music.Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate.Record yourself on video and upload it to Youtube. (Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay)Submit a link to your video here for evaluation. We will watch your performance and give you feedback. If you need more practice - we will let you know exactly what you need to work on along with additional practice suggestions. (Or you can submit a video to the public and other users will evaluate your video)If your performance is good, we will approve your video and you can collect your points.